Ben-Eliezer: Mubarak regime, peace will endure

“I have no doubt that the situation in Egypt is under control, our relations with Egypt are strategic and intimate,” Labor MK tells 'Post.'

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(photo credit:Eli Neeman)

“I have no doubt that the situation in Egypt is under control,” Labor MK Binyamin Ben-Eliezer told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday.

“The intelligence services, which are sophisticated, expected this after what happened in a different situation in Tunisia. [Mubarak] is allowing people to let off steam. He hasn’t used police. It’s all under control. I believe in complete faith that it won’t be a problem.”

Ben-Eliezer, a former defense minister, is considered the Israeli politician closest to Mubarak.

“Our relations with Egypt are strategic and intimate. Both of our leaderships have an interest in quiet and peace even if it is a quiet peace. The peace of Egypt has passed many tests of survival and many crises, and today it is just as much an Egyptian interest as it is ours,” Ben-Eliezer said.

Is our peace treaty with Egypt in jeopardy in the post- Mubarak era?

“There is no doubt that Mubarak is Sadat’s successor. Anyone who comes after him will be tested to see if he has the same strategy. It’s sensitive and fragile. If Mubarak prepares properly and ensures the army backs his successor, the peace will continue.”

Is Mohamed ElBaradei a serious threat to Mubarak and is he a problem for Israel?

“I won’t say he is not serious. But there is no leadership to the
anti-Mubarak camp. If he goes with the opposition, it means endorsing
the Islamic rhetoric. We have an interest in the Mubarak regime
continuing.”

Are the chances of Mubarak’s son Gamal taking over harmed by the rioting?

“Hosni Mubarak’s power comes from the army just like he does.

Gamal continues in his path and he is a brilliant guy. His future depends on how his father prepares the army to support him.”